Shipping Sector Current Affairs

India and South Korea signed mutual recognition of certificate of competency of seafarers to provide Indian seafarers employment on over 500 Korean ships. It was signed during four-day visit of Shipping, Road Transport & Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari to South Korea.

Key Facts

The agreement will boost bilateral ties between both countries in ports and shipping space as they are eyeing partnerships in shipbuilding, waterways and smart transportation, among others. It will be beneficial to both countries as South Korea is large ship owning nation, while India is large seafaring nation with over 1.5 lakh seafarers. The pact will help in creating job opportunities for Indian seafarers and also pave way for recognition of maritime education and training through various certificates issued for seafarers by governments of both countries.

Background

Shipping, Road Transport & Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari’s visit to South Korea was aimed at strengthening ties between two nations and cooperation in areas, including sharing of technology, experience in port development and operation and joint participation in port-related construction, building and engineering projects etc. It also focused on taking forward bilateral cooperation between India and South Korea in shipping, ports, inland waterways, highways, river interlinking and infrastructure sectors.

India and South Korea have institutional framework for cooperation through MoU for cooperation and mutual assistance to facilitate development of ports, port-related industries and maritime relationship. South Korea is known for maritime technology prowess, had partnered with Ministry of Shipping in Maritime India Summit held in Mumbai during April 2016.